Musical instrument



Oct. 26 1926. R 1,604,573

7 O. HAWKINSON MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Filed Jan. 16. 1926 Patented Oct. 26, 1926.

OLA}? IIAWKINSON, F SEATTLE, WASHINGTON.

. MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.

Application filed January 16, 1926.

This invention is directed to an improvement in musical instruments, wherein through a simple inexpensive construction, the volume of tone is very materially increased.

In banjos, which the present invention in the preferred form most nearly simulates, the diaphragm head of the banjo requires constant adjustment to maintain it in effective vibrating form, and the construction involved is an expensive one.

\Vith somewhat similar instruments, constructed entirely of wood as the mandolin, for example, it has been found that the tonal volume is so comparatively small as to materially limit the use of the instrument.

The present invention comprehends an instrument constructed entirely of wood and arranged in a manner to afford the maximum tonal volume with clear distinct and sharp tones.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan of the improved instrument.

Fig. 2 is a transverse section, of Fig. 1,

Figs. 3 and f perspective views respective ly of the bridges used.

The improved instrument comprises a body of hollow cylindrical form with flat or substantially flat upper and lower sur faces. v

The body 1 comprises an edge wall 2 of appropriate height constructed preferably of a single length of thin wood bent into appropriate form, the upper and lower faces 3 and a being also of thin wood, with the upper face formed with a central opening 5 and the lower face formed with a corresponding central opening 6.

A transverse brace bar 8 extends across the interior of the body, being terminally connected to the side wall and spaced from the upper and lower faces. The usual neck 9 is provided, having terminal means indicated at 10, for the tensioning of the strings 11, the opposite ends of the latter being connected to the usual means 12 on the body. A main bridge 13 is provided, which is adapted to bind the opening 5, this main bridge having lateral extensions 14; which rest upon on line 22 Serial No. 81,780.

the upper face 3 of the body. The main bridge is formed by a series of vertically extending slots 15 into narrow elongated projections 16, with the projections sufficient in number for the strings employed, so that each string rests upon the reduced upper end of a projection. Thus the vibrations of the particular string are of less effect on adjacent strings, as any one bridge projection is free of connection with the adjacent bridge projections, except at the lower end. An auxiliary bridge 17 is provided which is arranged in rear of the main bridge and has an unbroken upper edge 18, with which the strings cooperate. This bridge does not engage the upper face of the body, but is provided with leg extensions 19, which extend through the upper opening 5 in the face 3 and rest upon the brace bar 8.

In playing the instrument, the vibrations of the operated string are not communicated to the adjacent strings by reason of the bridge formation, but are conveyed through the main bridge to the upper face of the body and through the secondary bridge to the brace bar 8. Each string gives further a loud distinct and somewhat mellow sound which is of compared with similar bridge instruments. Furthermore, all parts of the body are constructed of the same material, and hence the vibration of one is communicated in kind to an adjacent part to thereby perfect the tone and volume thereof. It will be further noted that the material employed and the manner of assembling the same provides a simple inexpensive construction.

Claim:

A musical instrument, comprisin a hollow sounding body including a circular edge wall and upper and lower faces formed with openings, a bridge having space-d string bearing projections, means for supporting said bridge directly from and in contact with the upper face of the body, a brace bar terminally connected to the edge wall and disposed between the upper and lower faces of the body, and an auxiliary bridge passing through the opening in the upper face-and bearing on the brace bar.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

OLAF HAWKINSON.

distinctly increased volume as 

